Synonyms of dodge

dodge 1 of 2

noun

ˈdäj 

as in ruse

a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end

just another dodge to get out of working in the yard

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ruse
• scheme
• trick
• device
• fetch
• gambit
• sleight of hand
• stratagem
• ploy
• juggle
• knack
• jig
• wile
• bluff
• play
• gimmick
• flimflam
• sleight
• feint
• deception
• end run
• cunning
• subterfuge
• artifice
• trickery
• shenanigan
• swindle
• duplicity
• cheating
• hoax
• jugglery
• swindling
• chicanery
• skulduggery
• fakery
• smoke screen
• fraud
• blind
• gaff
• legerdemain
• dupery
• craft
• sham
• front
• cozenage
• crookery

dodge

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to weave

to move suddenly aside or to and fro

dodging through the crowd on his way to the exit

Synonyms & Similar Words

• weave
• duck
• sidestep
• evade
• zigzag
• avoid
• escape
• turn
• jink
• parry
• elude
• slalom
• deflect
• slide
• slip
• shirk
• skirt

2

as in to circumvent

to avoid having to comply with (something) especially through cleverness

always trying to dodge the landlord's rule prohibiting pets

Synonyms & Similar Words

• circumvent
• evade
• avoid
• bypass
• ignore
• escape
• sidestep
• get around
• beat
• skirt
• disobey
• shake
• elude
• shortcut
• prevent
• shun
• duck
• eschew
• deflect
• disregard
• shirk
• outflank
• divert
• end-run
• avert
• obviate
• flout
• parry
• ward (off)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• keep
• follow
• obey
• observe
• comply (with)
• accept
• seek
• pursue
• embrace
• welcome
• accede (to)
• catch
• assent (to)
• acquiesce (to)
• incur
• contract
• court

3

as in to evade

to get or keep away from (as a responsibility) through cleverness or trickery

dodged the horde of paparazzi by leaving through the service entrance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• evade
• avoid
• escape
• elude
• shun
• deflect
• eschew
• shake
• prevent
• scape
• eliminate
• steer clear of
• duck
• shuffle (out of)
• shirk
• finesse
• fight shy of
• stay clear of
• keep clear of
• circumvent
• get around
• weasel (out of)
• parry
• miss
• avert
• thwart
• exclude
• obviate
• preclude
• ward (off)
• rule out
• divert
• ban
• outwit
• bypass
• debar
• foil
• except
• fox
• outsmart
• frustrate
• bar
• outfox
• skirt
• overreach

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• accept
• seek
• pursue
• embrace
• welcome
• catch
• incur
• court
• contract

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of dodge

Noun

Florida has a new niche industry to help those who can afford it get out of dodge before a hurricane whirls ashore. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

Ullrich sees the shift less as a dodge than as a new chair recalibrating how the institution talks. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 8 July 2026

Verb

If teachers unions put as much effort into improving test scores as dodging accountability, students in New York’s public schools would have markedly better chances for success in life. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 20 Sep. 2026

Senior quarterback Landon Conroy dodged rushers, revved up his arm and brought the North Stars within 14 points early in the fourth quarter before Batavia held on for a 55-35 victory. — Mike McGraw, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026